SD High Court Upholds Bail Denial In Assault Case

The South Dakota Supreme Court says a Hells Angels Motorcycle Club member will not remain free on bail while he appeals his assault conviction from a fight at last year's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

George Caruso of Shirley, Mass., was convicted of simple assault and sentenced to 360 days in jail for his role in a brawl between rival motorcycle clubs in Sturgis. Court documents say Caruso punched another person, which led to a brawl in which two people were stabbed.

Circuit Judge Jerome A. Eckrich denied Caruso's request to be released on bail while he appealed his conviction. Eckrich ruled Caruso was a flight risk.

The Supreme Court upheld the circuit judge's ruling, saying he considered all the required factors in refusing to release Caruso on bail.